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Delta Debt: How Oborevwori Cut N463bn Legacy Debt to N63bn in 3 Years — Ekedayen
The Delta State Government has paid off about N400 billion of the legacy debt it inherited in 2023, bringing the outstanding debt profile down from N463 billion to N63 billion.
Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this at the 2026 budget stakeholders’ engagement held Friday in Asaba, the state capital.
Ekedayen, who presented the state’s fiscal position ahead of the 2027 budget, said the debt reduction was achieved through prudent financial management and disciplined use of public resources by the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to him, the administration inherited N463 billion in legacy debts in May 2023 and has so far cleared over N400 billion, leaving a balance of N63 billion.
He said government plans to wipe out the remaining balance by the first quarter of 2027.
“That achievement reflects this administration’s commitment to responsible utilisation of public resources,” Ekedayen said.
The Commissioner said the 2027 budget will maintain the current fiscal structure of 70 percent capital and 30 percent recurrent expenditure to drive growth.
He added that priority in 2027 will be given to road construction, agriculture and other critical infrastructure to open up communities and stimulate the state’s economy.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, who was present at the engagement, stressed the need for citizens’ participation in budget preparation and commended the state’s budget performance.
Civil society representatives welcomed plans by the Delta State House of Assembly to introduce a bill to regulate housing challenges in the state.
They also urged residents to protect public facilities and maintain environmental cleanliness.
One of the stakeholders, Mr. Odugala, commended the 13th-month salary payment by the government, describing it as a major morale booster for workers, while warning: “Government cannot continue to build infrastructure, then citizens begin to destroy them.”
